Former Browns safety subject of trade talk

If the “No Fly Zone” is about to lose one of its pilots, Broncos coach Vance Joseph isn’t aware.

Joseph said he hadn’t heard anything about T.J. Ward being on the trading block following a report from NFL Network the Broncos have been in talks about dealing the Pro Bowl strong safety who’s entering the final year of his contract.

“He’s one of our better players,” Joseph said. “So, I would be surprised.”

Ward practiced after missing several weeks with a pulled hamstring but he isn’t expected to play Aug. 31 against Arizona. Ward has been replaced i n the starting lineup by second-year pro Justin Simmons, whom Joseph praised for playing well the last three weeks.

DICKERSON OFFICIALLY RETIRES WITH RAMS » Eric Dickerson has signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Rams, reuniting the famous running back with his first NFL franchise. The Rams formalized the deal at their training complex, with Dickerson wearing his Hall of Fame blazer to complete the paperwork.

Dickerson set the single-season NFL rushing record and suited up for four playoff teams during his tenure with the Rams from 1983-87. He is still among the most popular players in franchise history, with his jersey frequently outnumbering those of any current player in the Coliseum stands.

MLB

UMPIRE HURT, EXITS » Home plate umpire Mike Everitt left the game between the Tigers and Rockies in the first inning after being hit by a warmup pitch.

Everitt was crouched behind Tigers catcher James McCann as starter Michael Fulmer threw warmup pitches in the middle of the inning. One pitch got past McCann and hit Everitt in the upper right thigh area. He was attended to by a Rockies trainer and left the game.

Tom Woodring moved from second base to home plate and the rest of the game was played with three umpires. The game was delayed 12 minutes.

NBA

BLAZERS, GM AGREE ON EXTENSION » The Trail Blazers agreed to a multi-year contract extension with President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey.

The team did not disclose terms of the deal, which runs through the 2020-21 season.

Olshey was named general manager in 2012 and promoted to his current positon in 2015. His first year he was involved in the draft that landed guard Damian Lillard and the team’s hiring of head coach Terry Stotts. The next year Portland drafted CJ McCollum.

Portland has been to the playoffs in each of the last four seasons.

College basketball

HEATHCOTE DIES » Jud Heathcote, who led Michigan State and Magic Johnson to the 1979 NCAA championship, died. He was 90.

The school announced Heathcote died Monday in Spokane, Washington.

Spartans coach Tom Izzo was hired by Heathcote as a part-time assistant in 1983. With Heathcote’s support, Izzo was promoted to replace him when he retired in 1995.

“The basketball world is a sadder place today with the passing of Jud Heathcote,” Izzo said. “No one cared more about the welfare of the game than Jud. He was a coach’s coach and a mentor to many.

“Our hearts are filled with sadness and deepest sympathy for his wife Beverly and the Heathcote family. Michigan State has lost one of its icons today. And yet, nothing can erase his impact on the program, the players he coached and the coaches he mentored. Spartan basketball is what it is today because of Jud Heathcote.”

Auto racing

ELLIOTT CHANGING TO DAD’S NO. 9 » Chase Elliott will drive his father’s iconic No. 9 next season i n a number swap at Hendrick Motorsports.

William Byron will take the No. 24, made famous by Jeff Gordon. The No. 5 will not be fielded for the first time since 1984. It was Hendrick’s original car number and Terry Labonte drove that number in his 1996 championship season.

Elliott raced the No. 9 to the 2014 Xfinity Series title, and his Hall of Fame father Bill Elliott drove it to 38 Cup wins and the 1988 series championship.